Disclaimer - I did not invent these characters and do not profit from them in any way. I just like to make up stories.
This takes place when Matt Dillon has been a marshal for about 10 years.
It was a hot, dusty August day in Kansas when James Blake walked into the Long Branch for the first time. He was elderly, in his eighty's in fact and very well dressed. He walked with the slowness of old age, but none of the stoop and unsteadiness that in some accompanies the slowness. He was of medium height and build, with a full head of neatly combed grey hair. He walked over to the bar and looked expectantly at the bartender.
Sam walked over, "What can I get you sir?"
"Whiskey please. The best you've got. I'm too old to be drinking bad whiskey."
Sam smiled, "Yes, sir," and brought over a glass of the most expensive whiskey in the Long Branch.
The man took a sip, "Not bad, not the best I've ever had, but better than most."
Kitty had walked out from her office just then and heard the old man's comment. She was amused and decided to go over and introduce herself.
"Hello, I'm Kitty Russell. This is my saloon. I'm glad to hear that our whiskey is better than most."
The old man turned to her, smiled and nodded, "A pleasure Miss Russell, and yes I've had a lot worse. Of course, I've traveled quite a bit and I recall having better a few times." He paused and laughed a little, "I admit that some of that travel was when I was a younger man, and it could be that memory makes things better as we grow older."
Kitty laughed with him, "That may be. So, what brings you to Dodge City?"
The man took another sip of whiskey, "My name's James Blake and I'm looking for someone. A man named Matthew Dillon. He's be in his mid thirty's, a tall fellow. I can't say how tall, I haven't seen him for twenty years. In fact he was a teenager when I last saw him. He was tall then and it's possible he's even taller now." The man laughed, "Anyway, I heard he that he had traveled to Dodge City a while ago, and thought he might still be here. I'd like to talk to him."
Kitty kept her poker face on while the man spoke. Matt had been the marshal of Kansas out of Dodge City for about 10 years now and had acquired quite a reputation. She wondered if the old man really didn't know who Matt Dillon was. She hesitated ever so slightly before responding.
"Well Mr. Blake, did you know Matthew Dillon well?"
Blake looked at her as he downed the last bit of his whiskey. He set his glass down, "Miss Russell, I've lived for a very long time, and I have observed people for a very long time. You see, I have done a great many things in my life. I've been a con artist, gun slinger, card dealer, body guard - I won't bore you with the complete list. Let me just say that experience has taught me a lot. I know, by looking in your eyes and hearing your tone of voice , that you know Matthew Dillon well, and that you care for him a great deal. Let me reassure you, I mean him no harm. I merely want to see him again before I die."
Kitty tried to hide her surprise, "Well Mr. Blake, I believe that Mr. Dillon is out of town at the moment."
Blake looked at her closely, " And if anyone would know when he was going to be back, it would be you. I guess I'll be staying for a while. Do you have a suggestion as to where I might stay?"
Kitty continued to be surprised by the perceptive stranger, "The Dodge House is the best. There are a couple of other choices, but that's the best."
Blake paid for his drink and looked at Kitty, "The Dodge House it is. I'll be there and I trust that when you see Matthew Dillon next, you'll tell him of our encounter. I won't have to use a lot of energy seeking him. Once he know's I'm here, he will look for me. Good night."
James Blake left and Kitty leaned on the bar.
Sam looked at her, "Miss Kitty, do you really think that he doesn't realize that he's looking for a US Marshal?"
Kitty shook her head slightly, "I don't know Sam, but Mr. Blake is right, I'll tell Matt about him as soon as I see him. You know he never answered my question when I asked if he had known Matt well. I guess I'll find out."